The Stargazing Witch & The Dungeon Planet
Chapter 78: Puppets on the Board

Chapter 78: Puppets on the Board

There were many ways I expected the auction to fall apart, but, to be honest, an armada showing up wasn’t on my bingo list. 

What the fuck…

“Lord no…” Matthew was panicking slightly, more so when his coms went down. Bad for him, but also good for me. At least the non-Dominous Hood forces wouldn’t be able to track me.

The mass arrival of ships was certainly a surprise. The transport tunnels were currently down after all, it was a safety precaution, and it allowed for the station to not be overwhelmed by last-second visitors.

However, Dominous Hood managed to find a way to bypass that, but all the ships being small craft must’ve been the restriction.

I also had no doubt that these people were from Dominous Hood, I mean, who else would try something this large and be able to break through the ring’s control system?

(“ It would be really funny if these people aren’t even Dominous Hood ”)

Sure sure. Because that is likely.

Looking at the situation objectively, there was a good chance that some of the people who flew in weren’t part of Dominous Hood. There was also a very high chance that there were other criminal activities on the planet already ready and waiting to make use of any opportunity that came their way–and the perfect opportunity just showed up on their front door.

The situation was a little perplexing, though… I mean, why the fuck would anyone bring a massive fleet?!

What the hell are they planning?

My current guesses were that either they had other plans but failed and this was their backup, or this was always their plan and they for some mindless reason, chose to go to war with everyone here. 

The ships flew into and around the station's aerial field, some in organised units, while others were zipping around.

“Well let’s–” 

Before I moved, I watched as one ship dove up towards the first segment, but before it could reach the first segment, a pulse of invisible energy sang out. 

A wave of pressure swept across the segments as it collided with the ship, as if attached to a bungee string flew a little further before being flung right down into the city.

What the bloody crap was that?

I didn’t have time to decode what that energy was as the ship came hurtling into a nearby street, tearing up the ground and reaching part of the metal underneath.

“...Well, I'll deal with these guys first.”

I wasn’t going to not take advantage of the situation, but I needed to figure out what happened afterwards. If it managed to knock back the ship, there was a good chance it could prevent me from reaching the first segment as well.

Four individuals jumped out of the ship, and two vanished towards the eastern docks. I didn’t chase after them, as all the security and hunters there should be enough, and I wanted to reserve my resources this time.

The two that stayed in the area looked around confused as they contemplated their options, both wore white suits that faded in and out with the scenery.

(" Oh, look at that, different wardrobe this time ”)

Great observation.

The invisibility suits were surely doing great for whoever they were, besides that fact, they were only partially working and I could sense them with my soul pressure.

I created two Starlight blades from the ends of my forearms. 

I jumped into action. “Howdy.” And dashed behind one of the crash idiots and stabbed them right through the chest. “You should’ve been paying more attention.” Their armours was pretty light and pathetic, all things considered.

I don’t think these two are Dominous Hood, equipment is too shit.

The starlight blade slid out as I spun and slashed both arms into the second lackey; they barely raised their mana shields in time. “Got to react faster.” But as they were still forming, my blades easily broke through and slashed their gut.

(" Looks like you are being chatty today ”)

Quiet, you're the chatty one.

(" Whatever you say ”)

The man fell to the ground and I didn’t disperse my starlight blades. I created them with a fixed amount of Starlight and with my control I wasn’t wasting starlight by having them stay out, they would be active until they broke or I dismissed them.

I would consider that I was pretty conservative with my mana and Starlight in my previous fights. Of course, the previous fights were on different terms–only me versus some number of insects, which meant I was required to use more resources–but this time I had the luxury to fight at a different, slower pace.

The first worm rolled over after falling to the ground.

“Oh, not dead? I guess I should've wiggled the blade around a bit more.”

White light flowed off the second maggot as his wound healed.

Wow, I didn’t finish either of them off? I have to make sure that doesn’t happen again for anyone else tonight.

Matthew ran up and called out, “Who are these people!” 

I shrugged, “Criminals, goons, pirates, whatever name do you want to call them?” 

I wasn’t sure if he had drunk or eaten something beforehand, but he was acting up.

Matthew shook his head and tapped on his chest. A warm blue light emerged from him and a second later, his demeanour calmed down.

“I apologise for my earlier actions.”

“I really don’t care.” I replied, “Just do whatever you want, regroup with your mates or whatever; I'm going to start killing some peeps.”

My blades were ready for the fatal blow.

But Matthew had to yell out, “Wait!” 

I asked, very annoyed but not showing it all, “What now?”

“My company is coming over anyway; let us capture these two for questioning.”

“There are literally thousands of others–” I paused for a moment, “–You know what? Sure, you can deal with these two. I’m going.”

Now, where is everyone hiding?

I expected most of Dominous Hood's forces to be on the station already, but that was before they brought copious amounts of ships along. But there had to be a good number of people trying to steal the items from the top floor if they were able to get up there in the first place.

I saw more ships and aerial mechs fly into the air from the docks to combat the armada of ships. However, when they got close, the outer appearance of the ships changed, some even matched the company ships that flew up.

I sighed, “That’s not going to make it confusing.”

He asked, “Why are you being so sarcastic?”

“Why are you still even here bothering me?” I knew I was the one who hadn’t moved, but it had only been a few seconds, and he could still not bother me.

I jumped up and climbed the towering buildings to get a better view of everything. I didn’t want to use [Star Mapping] for basic observation when the need wasn’t there.

While I was scanning the area, the energy pulse shot out again, this time feeling even stronger. The energy passed through me once again, and after feeling it for a second time, it felt like it was scanning me.

…

(" Hmm, good luck ”)

Espoiramissa decided to help and provided an ominous warning instead.

Thanks.